Powered speakers show audiophiles are confused

@kota1 Yes I did ask an you gave me some choices but my BHKs are about 8 times more expensive and are hybrid. PS Audio sells audio equipment based on cost of material, everyone says their equipment compares with more expensive equipment but PS audio really does and it’s hybrid which is a must a tube front end is the most pleasing sound to me and SS back end gives the punch that is nearly impossible for an all tube amp to accomplish. My amps are very good the only other amp that is interesting is the new Macintosh hybrid, they are hybrid for the same reason, I do want another preamp, and I have to get the hum out of my subs so maybe new subs. I’m very happy with the mid and high end on the 9hs and I’m happy with the JL subs I could live with them for good but the stupid hum I just bought a new DAC the PS Audio Mk 2, PS has a great return policy I got 4200 off of an $8k DAC I have to wait another month for it.

The best purchase I made was the Genelec system, love it when a system gets better and better. in the home listening category the best purchase was the BHK amps and the Direct stream SACD transport it is so clean and sounds so good that’s why I bought the new DAC from PS Audio they are making all their new equipment with galvanic isolation, (I know that not a new concept but it really was amazing on the Direct stream transport). I didn’t like the BHK preamp mainly because it is so hissy but the biggest problem is it sounds great, I use the Lyngdorf as a preamp and it sounds fine but when I put the BHK preamp in the system it really really sounds great that is so frustrating, The BHK hiss is much lower now maybe the tubes are facing the full moon or something like that, I hate tubes just love the way they sound. I took out the JL Audio CR-1 it is a great idea but It did cloud the overall sound just a little bit, and I’m fighting for all I can get. I use the Yamaha 5200 processor because I can do anything with it so if someone wants to connect anything to my Genelec system it can do it, it has no effect on a mix in that system that would go through Protools and the MTRX Studio. The Lyngdorf is good I guess it hasn’t changed my life and none of the room correction algos have done much which is good because I don’t have any big problems in my room because of its shape and size.

I told you how I have to do a pretty big upgrade on my system I think I’m going to get a good preamp some new subs and maybe new speakers. Yes I would love to invest in speakers and amps that were designed for each other but I don’t think they exist with very few exceptions at or about the $100 to $150k speaker level. Sonus Faber to me makes beautiful speakers both musically and aesthetically pleasing. I’ve always made good choices in professional audio equipment but in audiophile equipment it is another animal and it’s not always possible to audition equipment, you just have to hope and ask more experienced people.

@donavabdear 

Yes I did ask an you gave me some choices

What are friends for?

but my BHKs are about 8 times more expensive and are hybrid. 

All I know is you said they weren't cutting it, price is not the issue.

 everyone says their equipment compares with more expensive equipment 

First of all "everyone" is stretching it a bit. Second of all "everyone" says that about a lot of very fine companies, take your pick.

it’s hybrid which is a must a tube front end is the most pleasing sound to me 

So, your entire throw down was based on confusion? You "thought" you wanted a new amp but really didn't want a new amp? And you thought audiophiles were confused... LOL

it really really sounds great that is so frustrating

We have all been there, I got nothing. You can either "change it up" or "suck it up".

I hate tubes just love the way they sound

No, you hate change as I already provided 3 alternatives to keep what you like and ditch what you hate.

 I’m fighting for all I can get. 

In order to win the fight you need to use your eyes and not just your ears. When will you post your measurements? See my virtual system for examples.

I don’t have any big problems in my room because of its shape and size.

That's a GREAT start in your fight.

I told you how I have to do a pretty big upgrade on my system

Again, what are friends for, you talk, talk, talk, I think you need to change it up too.

I think I’m going to get a good preamp some new subs and maybe new speakers.

This is what build threads are for and you did nothing about that so far. Isn't the Lyngdorf good enough?

Yes I would love to invest in speakers and amps 

Everyone here does that too, you came to the right place. Before you go back and see another killer salesman I encourage you to ask for ideas from the membership.

I don’t think they exist with very few exceptions at or about the $100 to $150k speaker level.

Now who is dealing in "audiophile mythology"? This is fiction and I hope you don't drill holes in your wallet based on "mythology".

but in audiophile equipment it is another animal and it’s not always possible to audition equipment

I can say with confidence that very few members or audiophiles in general would spend more than even $10K without an audition or a 30 day return policy. Doing so is a very SERIOUS mistake. If you want we can start a 12 step program for you. 😁

you just have to hope and ask more experienced people.

No, you have to NOT listen to other people, you HAVE to listen to the stuff you want, in your room, with a good return policy if you don't like it.

I just bought a new Martin Logan amp to test out with my passive surround speakers. It comes with a 60 day return policy and if it don't fit my needs it goes back. Doesn't matter if its $2 or $200K that is a win/win. Martin Logan sells more stuff because they take the risk, even if some gear gets sent back. I get the win because I can check it out at no risk. (Martin Logan is owned by Paradigm and I think the amp has Anthem DNA, I know it has ARC 😀)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once again, the goofiest topic gets the most replies.

@secretguy Let me ask you a simple question, is it smarter to buy speakers and amps made for each other or not made for each other? Considering the many variables in speaker drivers, amps, and crossovers isn’t it important to have all these components work together especially if you are spending substantial money?

@kota1 I’m probably a bit slow but I just saw what I’m probably going to listen to That is the Sonus Faber AIDA 2 & McIntosh MC901 Tube/SolidState Amplifier Since Macintosh bought Sonus Faber they may be able to voice the speakers just like an active speaker that would be the best, I know Macintosh has passed through some good and bad hands in it’s history but this new amp is really turning heads and it is hybrid (the way tube amps should be) it’s also $35K the speakers are $160k and my dealer can get them, I think this is a winner. At least there is something out there in high end other than Steinway that is made for each other. What do you think?

I think we have members with that combo, I would start a new thread and get opinions from owners. If I had that budget I would choose active and my first stop would be a Bryston dealer. They have active speakers with the BAX outboard crossover. You could use Bryston amps, tubes, Mac, whatever. If you want everythibg to match you could replace the BAX crossover with the SP4 processor which Bryston can also use as an outboard crossover. I think going passive is going to be a let down for you. However, if you go mac/sonus obviously well matched.

https://bryston.com/active-loudspeakers/https://bryston.com/active-loudspeakers/